Choosing a School and Enrollment

The Elementary Enrollment Process

Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville are typically ministries of a parish or group of parish communities. If you are not a member of a parish, or if you attend a parish that does not have a school, visit several schools and consider the needs of your child.

Catholic Elementary Open House Day/School VisitsCatholic elementary schools also hold a system-wide open house day on October 20, 2015, 9-11 a.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. In addition to this opportunity, many schools have regularly scheduled tours and sessions for new families, and all welcome your questions and interest.

ApplicationsSome Catholic elementary schools may have waiting lists for certain grades, so it is a good idea to call in advance of your visit to find out their application and admission policies and procedures. Generally, families apply for admission to elementary schools in January and February and are notified of their acceptance by March 1. Once notified for acceptance, families are eligible to complete the tuition assistance process, and tuition assistance forms are due to Private School Aid Service (PSAS) by mid-March. PSAS packets are available at your school.

For specific information about registration dates, tuition and admission requirements, contact the principal at the Catholic elementary school where you plan to enroll your child. This web site includes a map that locates each school and a listing of the schools with phone numbers, web sites, addresses and principals’ names (click here to view).

The High School Enrollment Process

ShadowingShadowing is an opportunity for students in grades 7 and 8 to experience a typical high school day. Call the Catholic secondary school at least 72 hours in advance to schedule a shadowing experience for your child. Shadowing is for students only. Parents may schedule a tour of the building at a later and more convenient time for the secondary school. Eighth-grade students shadow during the fall semester, and seventh-grade students shadow during the spring semester. Shadowing should be scheduled on days when elementary schools are not in session.

Open HouseOpen houses provide opportunities for students and parents to visit Catholic secondary school campuses. Open houses may include tours, special programs, and demonstrations. The format of the open house is interactive, and parents and students will have the opportunity to ask questions. Refer to the listing of secondary schools for open house schedules for each high school.

Placement TestAll students who plan to attend a Catholic secondary school must take the placement test at the secondary school they plan to attend. The test is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2015, 9 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Students need to bring $10 and two #2 pencils. The placement test is timed and generally takes three hours. Extended time of up to one and a half hours may be granted to students with special needs with appropriate documentation sent from the elementary school to the secondary school three weeks prior to the test date. (Please note that if the High School Placement Test is cancelled due to inclement weather, it will be rescheduled for the following Saturday – December 19, 2015 – in December.)

The placement test helps Catholic secondary schools determine the most appropriate course work and academic path for meeting the needs of individual students. The placement test is only one of several tools used for academic placement. There are many variables that help determine whether or not students are accepted into the secondary school of their choice. Taking the placement test does not guarantee admission to a Catholic secondary school.

Acceptance LettersAcceptance letters and notification of registration will be sent by all Catholic secondary schools on February 9, 2016. For the registration dates of individual Catholic secondary schools, please refer to the listing of Catholic high schools.